GODANESGO

I, through posts on this board, obviously won't change your opinion about this broad topic of stadium/state funding/governance. But I'm happy to try to answer your questions. First, I would hope your 6 months worth of time on this board would not be long enough to form that type of opinion about me. I've been on here for more than 3 years now, and this topic is the only one in that time span that I've offered strong opinions about (as I usually post about sports). So I think your sample size might be a bit small. Where you think I'm criticizing you, I'm simply trying to provide information or show where we might not have all (or even most) of the info. I have enough experience working in and around this exact field to have seen that there are plenty of things going on that the general public doesn't hear or see through newspaper articles, news reports, or press releases. Therefore, I think it's quite unfair (and counterproductive) to criticize and have a general pessimistic attitude about issues that we admittedly don't, and likely won't, know all the facts. I'm not quite sure what I'm 'pussyfooting' about? I simply try to offer information on these topics, as I'm often surrounded by them at a professional level on a daily basis. If you, and others here, feel that my posts are simply 'criticizing,' I know that myself, and others around me here on the board who are in similar positions, would be more than happy to remove ourselves from conversations about these issues and refrain from providing additional information here on out.

Philip said that SUNY has decided to take a more conservative/non-inflamming/conciliatory approach to the still ongoing budget process these few weeks. An approach that the campuses must follow, at least for now. He said that he diagrees with that apporach and would prefer more aggressive action. Remember this when we post about how the situation within SUNY and the Chancellor position might impact our hiring process for a President.

Alum73 beat me to it, but do you know that Mayor Jennings isn't 'plugging' for the stadium? Like too many of your posts, it might be a good idea to have all the facts before you continue to criticize decision-makers.

Per America Least's blog, Sofman committed to Monmouth. Not surprising, as we didn't have a scholarship to offer anymore.

Maybe because he's not eligible to play until the spring semester?

The University has done this before. Residential Life and/or Student Success buys a huge block of them for students. The past couple years, they've sold the tickets to students at a subsidized price of $5 or $10 and then use that money as a donation to X charity cause.

Cape.. Up until this coming season, I was in the same situation as you. After the growth in student popularity of the games in the 2006 season, I didn't feel like waiting in line for student tix when I knew I was gonna be at every game, so I just decided to go ahead and buy the basic 'Reserved' seating season tickets. Usually it doesn't make too much of a difference (like for a lot of the games over winter break that you and I were at), but never waiting in line is nice (especially for the big games like you mentioned), and I'd just sit in the student section anyways. Plus, if you have a friend who's not from UAlbany come to visit, you can always get your free student ticket and get your friend in for free with your season ticket. This was the second season in a row that I did it. And I'd definitely recommend the Varsity Club, as I'm sure most on this board would as well. It's nice to grab a bite to eat before every football and basketball game..would at least save you a meal swipe before each game. Plus, if facebook is correct (haha), you'll be able to enjoy the finer beverages at Varsity Club at some point next season, lol. You also sometimes get priority with post-season games and other 'big game' road trips. And lastly, you're donating to athletics, so it's a positive all around.

I've been there a few times. Definitely small but it's a gorgeous facility.

Ahh, this is such a 'what have you done for me lately' world. Brent was AE All-Rookie, 3rd Team All-AE (twice), scored nearly 1200 points (16th on the all-time list), and finished 3rd all-time in 3-pointers. I'm not sure it's 'especially' one or the other of them.

The Presidential Search Committee met again both Saturday and today. That makes 4 times this month. Hopefully that means some (good) news soon!

Some anti-UB ammo for everyone... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/bask...n.ap/index.html

I guess that could work. Though I'm not too sure how many people would agree to pay themselves for a year if they're getting offers from other schools that can scholly them the whole time, especially if they're subject to out of state tuition costs. Maybe getting a verbal now from someone who'll prep next year and join the Danes in '09? Who knows. Maybe someone can ask Coach Brown at the banquet tonight.

Hmm, that is interesting, especially since it's Jerel that's specifically left off. Maybe it's just a typo?? Also, who else will be at the banquet tonight? I'm heading over right after work.

Wow. So he was the Ohio DI POY and is now on the Ohio DI All-Academic team? Looking forward to seeing this guy on the court!!

Campus participation (outside of the representative search committee membership) usually happens when the search committee has a group of 3 or 4 finalists. Those finalists will usually have official tours of the University and meetings/forums with students, faculty, staff, etc. Similiar to what's currently happening at Monroe Community College near Rochester with their search to fill the position of their retiring President Flynn. I think it's a good sign that Cobleskill hired a new president without a permenant Chancellor in place. I might suggest that Cobleskill and UAlbany are not completely analagous in terms of their importance/impact within the SUNY system, so a lack of a Chancellor likely would have more impact on the type of candidates attracted to UAlbany. But the Cobleskill hiring is a positive sign, nonetheless. For what it's worth, I've heard SUNY is looking to have a new Chancellor in place between June and January. Their search is taking some time because I've heard they're looking for high profile national 'leaders' (a la a Colin Powell type) instead of the traditional high level educational administrator. That type of candidate obviously cuts down the pool a bit, plus you'd have to convince that person to leave whatever lucrative situation they might be in now in order to come to the great show that is New York State politics.